Air Compressor Review: Rhyas 50L 14CFM Compressor 3HP V Twin 240V

Air Compressor Review: Rhyas 50L 14CFM Compressor 3HP V Twin 240V

For the hobbyist or home DIY enthusiast, an air compressor is a useful and desireable bit of kit. But an air compressor with a decent spec for home use is expensive, right? Actually, the answer is ‘no’. Based in Leominster, UK home and garden equipment manufacturer Rhyas produces a range of cheap air compressors that represent excellent value for money without compromising on quality or performance.  Rhyas’ 50Litre 14CFM Compressor 3HP V Twin 240V is a smart and robust-looking portable air compressor, featuring large rubber wheels, a sturdy handle and stabilising feet. 

OK, so it’s nice to look at and easy to transport but what’s this air compressor like in use? As the name suggests, the specifications of this air compressor for home use are pretty special. The whopping 50 litre air receiver, combined with an impressive 3HP V twin motor, can produce 14 cubic feet per minute (CFM) of compressed air at pressures of up to 116 PSI. Despite this, the Rhyas 50L 14CFM Compressor 3HP V Twin 240V is marginally quieter in operation than some air compressors, with a loudness rating of just 97 Decibels; that’s comparable to your average lawn mower. In other words, this wallet-friendly air compressor from Rhyas is more than capable of operating a wide range of air tools and spray guns making it suitable for tackling a host of jobs around the home and garden without breaking the bank.

Dental compressor parts: good mouth care.

Cleaning our teeth at minimum every night and morning has been the foundation of good teeth and mouth care for as long as we remember.  Life would not be the same without the toothbrush and toothpaste on its shelf under the bathroom mirror over the bathroom wash basin. It is a ritual, if you please, and one that we would not do without even it stopping this tradition would not spell the end of the wellbeing of our sweet sets of pearly whites. Unbelievably, abac compressor parts have a great deal to do with our teeth. Eventually joined by a long chain of related links, including equipment, know-how and skills, good health practices and belief in our world of dental health, our teeth and the many dental compressor parts, that form a dental compressor, seem unable to exist without each other!

Were it not for the fact that we have teeth at all, we would not of course have any concern about keeping our teeth well maintained for as long as we can.  Were it not for the fact that dental compressor parts combine to support the vital dental equipment needed to keep our teeth healthy or to provide us with replacements when our teeth give up the ghost, then we would of course not be concerned about the technology needed to support them. We would never go to a dentist and we would never worry about mouth care. Teeth and dental compressor parts are inextricably bound by dependency and their destiny is together, however far apart they seem. Check out our dental compressor parts. 

Compressor spares: the clearest of all.

Verb or noun “spare” has spawned numerous weird and wonderful expressions using various forms  of the word.  Some go way back in time and others are modern versions like compressor spares and other types of spares when we need a replacement for something.

Think of the cruel and humiliating “Spare the child, don’t spare the rod!”.  This was a mantra of previous eras when it was thought best that children be seen and not heard and that to beat them as punishment was a kind act making them good and decent citizens in later years.   What about the taunting “spare me your pity”, often used in melodrama, and a million miles away from the kind of compressor spares that we talk about at Air Supplies?   Can you spare me £10 until Tuesday? Annoying to have a friend constantly borrowing from you especially if Tuesday never comes!  

We are often exhorted in hot weather to “use water sparingly, a drought is coming” by local authorities anxious to decrease the amount of water supplying households during summers that are drier than usual. So many different uses of a single word meaning save, don’t bother, lend, and in little amount.  “Compressor spares” means something totally different again. As a plural of a noun compressor spares are just that - the spare parts that you would use in a compressor!

10 Tips for a Healthy Compressed Air System

1. Read & Follow Your Air Compressor's Manual
Nothing stops an air compressor faster than an owner who doesn't read the owner's manual. There's going to be some simple tips in there for you that will help you to get a nice long life out of your air compressor - simple stuff for you to do that you would never have thought to do unless you read it. Besides, no one knows your compressor better than the manufacturer.

2. Check the Oil Level Regularly
If you're running a compressor that uses oil you should be checking it on a daily basis to make sure that your machine is topped off. Then, every 500-1000 hours (only true of some recip compressors, most synthetics say you can get away with yearly change-out) of use you should be changing this oil to ensure maximum functioning of your air compressor.
Find your lubricant cross now..

3. Drain Traps for Water and Oil Removal
Water and oil removal systems like filters, dryers, tanks, and separators are only efficient if the contaminants are removed from the system. Make sure these contaminant removal devices have proper functioning drains. Press the test button if the drain has one, or better yet, take the time to watch it fill and dump on its own. Open the bypass (your drain does have a bypass, right?) and check for condensate stuck behind a blocked line upstream of the drain.
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4. Inspect & Clean the Air Filter
A dirty air filter makes your air compressor work harder, consume more electrical energy, and runs the risk of contaminating the compressor, particularly if it ruptures. Check your filters regularly and change them if you notice a heavy build up of dust and dirt. Change every three to six months or so if you use it infrequently.
Find replacement filter elements now…

5. Change the Separator Element
The separator element prevents the excessive use of oil, but it has to be replaced periodically. Keep your compressor in top condition by replacing the separator element every 1,000 hours of operation. Remember, every 2 PSI of separator pressure drop can increase your compressor energy costs by 1%. Changing separator elements is very inexpensive by comparison.
Find replacement air/oil separator elements now…

6. Stop, Look & Listen
Stop, Look & Listen for any unusual noise, overheating, vibrations or belt slippage and correct before damage of a serious nature develops. Familiarize yourself with proper instrument and gage readings. Check daily for abnormal readings before major damage occurs. Keep a daily record of key readings such as oil pressure, oil temperature, motor amps, and discharge pressure.
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7. Check for Leaks Throughout
Leaks in compressed air systems often account for 25% or more of the compressed air generated. Check entire system for air leakage around fittings, connections, and gaskets, using an ultrasonic leak detector. Common areas to check are piping and flexible joint packings, control lines, control line fittings, clamps and connectors, valves, air pressure safety relief valves, and pressure gauge connections.
Find air-monitoring equipment now…

8. Proper Compressor Temperature
Should be within manufacturer's limits. Refer to the air compressors manual to make sure you are operating within the proper temperature range. Many of the tips from above can affect temperature if they are not checked regularly.

9. Compressor Cleanliness
Maintain in a clean condition; an air compressor should never leak oil. When you’re checking your compressor, remove any dust from the motor, pump and cooling fin area. This will help to keep the pump and motor running cooler and prolong the life of your compressor.

10. Keep Extra Filters and Parts on Hand
One of the main keys to maintaining an efficient compressed air system has been and still is Preventive Maintenance.

Purchase your maintenance supplies prior to the scheduled date
Be sure to check all the devices that need maintaining before you purchase your supplies
Don’t let system failure be your signal that is time to do maintenance
Plan your preventative maintenance when it is convenient for you-or it will plan itself when it is not convenient for you!

Dad garage compressor pumps cars

Air compressor technology: Match the compressor to your specific needs

Determining compressor cfm

What cfm capacity do you need? Following is a generalized formula for selecting the cfm rating of your new compressor. Add up the cfm requirement of all of the pneumatic tools that you plan to run (air wrenches, grinders, drills, spray guns, etc.). This total cfm should represent the grand total of all of the air tools that you would realistically plan to run at the same time.
Once you have this tool cfm total, add to this a 10% margin to compensate for potential air leaks (leaks at fittings, etc.). Then add another 15% as a safety margin (for piston compressors).
This compensates for tool cfm ratings and the published rating of the compressor (any of which might not be accurate in the real world).
As another example, if your total tool cfm potential use in your shop is, say, 20 cfm, you’ll add 10% (2 cfm), then add another 15% (about 3 cfm), for a total compressor capability of 25 cfm.
While you can get by with less when only running one or two tools at once, you really need to determine a realistic level that will be needed during your maximum workload at any given time.

Total cfm requirements = ________ cfm
(Add up cfm needs of all tools that may be used at the same time)
 Cfm x 1.10 = ________
(Increase of 10% to compensate for potential air leaks)
 New cfm x 1.15% = ________
(Increase of another 15% to provide margin of safety and longer service life for pump operation)
 Maximum psi needed = __________

In summary: Tool total cfm + 10% + 15% = compressor cfm needed. If planning to run a rotary style compressor, you won’t need to add the additional 15%.

Horsepower and motor features
Generally speaking, most true 5 hp compressors can likely provide up to about 18 cfm, ideal for small shop use. A 7.5 hp compressor should be able to provide around 27 cfm at 100 psi.
Cutaway of a typical rotary screw compressor housing. Clearances are extremely tight.

While this range of compressor can usually operate on single-phase electric circuits, horsepower ratings above this range may require three-phase wiring in your shop building.
If considering a piston compressor, look for quality features:

 • Cast iron crankcase and cylinders.
 • Aluminum connecting rods.
 • Tapered roller bearings.
 • Stainless steel reed valves.
 • Fan-type flywheel (for better cooling and less moisture buildup).
 • Motor oil sightglass to monitor oil level.
 • Pressurized oiling system.
 • Low-oil cut-off switch.
Single-stage or two-stage (reciprocating style)

If you plan to install a piston (reciprocating) style compressor, for shop use, consider a two-stage unit. A two-stage compressor begins to compress air in a low-pressure cylinder. That air is then passed through a cooling coil on its way to a second, high pressure cylinder. In other words, the air is compressed in two progressive stages. As compared to a single stage compressor, higher pressures and motor longevity are the results. Two-stage compressors are normally used for pressure ranges of 125 psi and greater. A two-stage compressor will feature an intercooler system (usually a coil) to reduce moisture buildup between the two cylinders.

Types of air compressors
In total, there are five types of compressors on the market. While this group includes the reciprocating type (piston motor), rotary screw type, rotary sliding vane type, rotary lobe, and the centrifugal type, only three are applicable to automotive repair shop applications: piston type, rotary screw and rotary vane.

• Reciprocating type compressors are the most common and least expensive. These feature an electric-driven motor that features a crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons and valves to pump and compress air (similar to a piston engine). These are available in a wide range of horsepower levels, from fractions of hp to around 25 hp.
• Rotary screw compressors feature a pair of “screws” (like a twin-screw supercharger). As the screws turn, the air is squeezed between the helical “teeth” and is compressed.
An example,of a relatively compact rotary screw compressor for automotive shop applications. The Kaeser Airtower is available in models ranging from 4 to 7.5 HP, 9 to 77 scfm and operating pressures of 125 – 217 psig.

• Rotary sliding vane compressors feature an eccentrically slotted rotor, stator and a series of blades. As the rotor turns, the vanes are forced outward from inside the rotor slots, and exhaust air is compressed. Reciprocating, rotary screw and rotary sliding vane compressors are positive-displacement compressors (where the air is mechanically squeezed).
• Rotary lobe compressors feature twin shafts that are each equipped with cylindrical lobes (rotating and squeezing air in a similar manner as rotary screw). These are intended for large industrial applications and absolutely not appropriate for automotive repair shop applications. Both rotary lobe and centrifugal compressors are designed for heavy industrial use only.

Why pick one style over another? Let’s face it: One of the primary factors in any equipment purchase involves initial cost. Reciprocating type compressors have been around seemingly forever and are the most economical to purchase (of course, price is always dependent on quality).

Compressors help reduce heating costs through energy recovery

Müller Dairy, part of the Müller International group best known for its range of desserts and yogurts, has made substantial savings in gas process heating costs by utilising Atlas Copco compressors incorporating energy recovery technology.

Compressed air plays an essential role in Müller Dairy’s large scale production operation, based at its Market Drayton, Shropshire, UK, manufacturing plant, where more than 600,000 litres of raw milk are processed daily. This is particularly true in the company’s yogurt and fruit process operations, where compressed air is used in supplying air cylinders, filling machine and process valves, as well as providing a sterile air barrier for end products.

Müller Dairy’s compressed air installation comprises a purpose-built ZR315VSDFF oil-free compressor together with two fixed-speed ZR200s. The heat recovery capability of the two water-cooled ZR200s is utilised in the form of recovered hot water. Working in conjunction with ammonia compressors and the yogurt and fruit processes, this hot water is used to pre-heat yogurt bases, thus eliminating the need to generate steam and the running costs of two gas-fired boilers that used to be incurred in the process.

The new compressors supplement the original Atlas Copco installation, which consists of four ZR3-58 machines. These older machines are maintained by Müller Dairy as standby compressors and employed on a rotational basis when there is a high production demand for compressed air.

Compressed air users who, like Müller Dairy, integrate the flow of hot water into their plant processes are able to recover 90-95 per cent of a compressor’s electrical energy input as hot water. This is achieved successfully with Atlas Copco’s ZR series of water-cooled, oil-free, 55-750 kW compressors, which have been certified by TÜV, the independent testing and accreditation organisation, as capable of recovering up to 100 per cent of electrical input energy as hot water under specific design conditions.

Over 45 per cent of industrial applications use hot water in their process operations. The highest degree of thermal efficiency is generally obtained when a compressor’s hot water outlet is connected to a continuous heating demand, such as a heating boiler’s return circuit.

With energy consumption representing over 80 per cent of a compressor’s lifecycle cost, across a wide spectrum of manufacturing industries, energy savings in compressed air systems have a significant impact not only towards preserving the environment through the reduction of CO2 emissions but also on the end users’ bottom line.

Compressed air equipment: diving to the depths

Where on earth would we be without compressed air equipment?  Despite origins rooted in mediaeval times – think of the blacksmith’s bellows stoking the fires needed to smelt metals into horseshoes, swords, armour, iron railings and all the other tools of yesteryear – compressed air equipment has been a pioneer of our modern age.

Never mind on earth – below the depths of our oceans compressedair equipment has contributed to amazing discoveries of rock formations, coral worlds, thousands of species of sea life, fish migration, sea mammals, subterranean plant life, sea currents, and  underwater seismic movements of rock plate. The capability to breathe air under water means humans have been able to harness the information given up to us by the sea.  Compressed air equipment is used by divers, and other underwater explorers, to uncover the secrets of the parts of our globe which are covered in water.

Here on dry land – our industry has ably supported great technological developments with barely a blink.  Without compressed air equipment we could hardly have managed the powerful forces necessary to spur the wheels of industry. We would not have innovation, construction or implementation.  Whether you require a complete compressed air unit, a few components and parts, or just a new set of air tools Air Supplies is a good place to start looking.

Nitrogen rather than compressed air in tires

Having properly inflated tires is essential for safety and good gas mileage, but should car owners fill their tires with compressed air or nitrogen? It is a debate that has gathered attention and supporters on both sides. Drivers often wonder if nitrogen will help extend the life of their tires, further improve fuel economy, or provide a smoother ride.

The question does not come with an easy answer, but there are certainly many advantages of using nitrogen instead of compressed air in tires.

Compressed air is made up of oxygen, nitrogen, water vapor, and other gases. Oxygen can be troublesome inside of tires because it is more likely to migrate through tire rubber than is nitrogen. Tires that are instead filled with nitrogen exhibit less pressure changes with temperature fluctuations. Another substance, water, also presents a danger. Water is unsafe inside of tires not only because it can cause an increased pressure change with temperature shifts but also because it corrodes aluminum or steel rims.

Beware that some service or gas stations may not keep their air system free of humidity. Some compressed air hoses that haven’t been cleared properly could gather water and transfer it to the tires. Make sure that the service station knows the correct maintenance steps for filling tires with compressed air. It also might be wise not to use water-based tire-mounting lubricants directly before filling tires with air. Instead, allow the tire to sit in the sun for a while until dry.

While drivers who put compressed air in their tires must consider the dangers of water and oxygen, those who opt for nitrogen don’t have to worry. The process of putting nitrogen in tires involves filling and purging several times in a row. This dilutes the concentration of oxygen inside the tire and removes the harmful water. The tires are then left with only nitrogen.

The main argument to use nitrogen tyre inflators instead of compressed air in tires is that nitrogen escapes through the tire at a much slower rate. With nitrogen your tire pressure is more likely to maintain the correct amount of pressure over the life the tire than if you use compressed air. This will provide better gas mileage and lower the wear and tear which will increase the life of the tire.

Drivers opting for nitrogen-filled tires can expect to pay between $5 - $30 per tire to have them filled. The process is simple but often time-consuming.

In conclusion, nitrogen eliminates water in tires, which means less corrosion, and also gets rid of troublesome pressure changes caused by oxygen. This should help save money in fuel and tire-maintenance costs, and drivers won’t experience any change in the car’s handling or other capabilities. The benefits that nitrogen provides should offset the cost of using nitrogen.

10 Tips For A Healthy Compressor System This Holiday Season

10 Tips For A Healthy Compressor System This Holiday Season

1. Read & Follow Your Air Compressor's Manual
Nothing stops an air compressor faster than an owner who doesn't read the owner's manual. There's going to be some simple tips in there for you that will help you to get a nice long life out of your air compressor - simple stuff for you to do that you would never have thought to do unless you read it. Besides, no one knows your compressor better than the manufacturer.

2. Check the Oil Level Regularly
If you're running a compressor that uses oil you should be checking it on a daily basis to make sure that your machine is topped off. Then, every 500-1000 hours of use you should be changing this oil to ensure maximum functioning of your air compressor.
Find your lubricant cross now..

3. Drain The Moisture From The Tanks
The receiver tank collects moisture from the air that it's compressing - especially if you live in a humid climate. Most tanks have a valve for draining this moisture that accumulates and it's up to you to make sure that these are drained regularly. Before draining the water you should be sure to release the air pressure from the tanks.
Find automatic and timer drains now…

4. Inspect & Clean the Air Filter
A dirty air filter is only hurting your air compressor by allowing unclean air from the outside in, plus forcing it to work harder to intake air. Check your filters regularly and change them if you notice a heavy build up of dust and dirt. Change every six months or so if you use it infrequently.
Find replacement filter elements now…

5. Change the Separator Element
The separator element prevents the excessive use of oil, but it has to be replaced periodically. Keep your compressor in top condition by replacing the separator element every 1,000 hours of operation.
Find replacement air/oil separator elements now…

6. Stop, Look & Listen
Stop, Look & Listen for any unusual noise, failure to compress, overheating, vibrations or belt slippage and correct before damage of a serious nature develops. Your air compressor's a running, vibrating engine and it will loosen its screws, nuts and bolts on a regular basis. Be sure to check these periodically and tighten them up if you find any that have jiggled loose.
Find replacement parts now…

7. Check for Leaks Throughout
Check entire system for air leakage around fittings, connections, and gaskets, using an ultrasonic leak detector. Air leaks in a system can keep an entire system from running at proper temperature and pressure because of the leakage. Common areas to check are piping and flexible joint packings, control lines, control line fittings, clamps and connectors, valves, air pressure safety relief valves, and pressure gauge connections.
Find air-monitoring equipment now…

8. Proper Compressor Temperature
Should be within manufacturer's limits. Refer to the air compressors manual to make sure you are operating within the proper temperature range. Many of the tips from above can affect temperature if they are not checked regularly.

9. Compressor Cleanliness
Maintain in a clean condition; a compressor should never leak oil. When you’re checking your compressor, remove any dust from the motor, pump and cooling fin area. This will help to keep the pump and motor running cooler and prolong the life of your compressor.

10. Keep Extra Filters and Parts on Hand
One of the main keys to maintaining an efficient compressed air system has been and still is Preventive Maintenance.

Plan your preventative maintenance before-hand so it will least effect production
Purchase you maintenance supplies prior to the scheduled date
Be sure to check all the devices that need maintaining before you purchase your supplies
Don’t let system failure be your signal that is time to do maintenance

Buy Ingersoll Rand Air Tools here.

WHAT IS COMPRESSED AIR?

WHAT IS COMPRESSED AIR?

Compressed air, commonly called Industry's Fourth Utility, is air that is condensed and contained at a pressure that is greater than the atmosphere. The process takes a given mass of air, which occupies a given volume of space, and reduces it into a smaller space. In that space, greater air mass produces greater pressure. The pressure comes from this air trying to return to its original volume. It is used in many different manufacturing operations. A typical compressed air system operating at 100 psig (7 bar) will compress the air down to 1/8 of its original volume. (figure CA1-1) Why Use Compressed Air? Compressed air supplies power for many different manufacturing operations. At a pressure of 100 psig (7 bar), compressed air serves as a utility. It supplies motive force, and is preferred to electricity because it is safer and more convenient. There are numerous industries that use compressed air for various applications. Industrial Plant Maintenance: Air tools, such as paving breakers, are used to fix cement floors, to open up brick walls for assorted service lines, and other comparable work. Caulking and chipping (fig. CA1-2) can be done using smaller air hammers. For other maintenance work, plants can use air-operated drills, screwdrivers, and wrenches, provided that the air outlets are well placed throughout the plant. Painting can be done using paint-spraying systems. Sprinkler systems are controlled by air pressure, which keeps water from entering the pipes until heat breaks the seal and releases the pressure. Air jets speed up the process of cleaning machines, floors, remote ceiling areas, move heavy loads and overhead pipes. Air pressure also efficiently cleans boiler tubes. Tuck pointing of brick walls and metalizing of worn parts are two other compressed air uses. On the Production Line:

Pneumatic Tools

Pneumatic tools are convenient for industrial production because they have a low weight-to-power ratio, and they may be used for long periods of time without overheating and with low maintenance costs. Chipping and scaling hammers are used in railroads, oil refineries, chemical refineries, shipyards, and many other industries for general application. They are also used in the foundry for cleaning large castings, and to remove weld scale, rust, and paint in other industries. Additionally, these hammers are good for cutting and sculpturing stone. Pneumatic drills can be used for all classes of reaming, tapping, and drilling anytime that the work cannot easily be carried to the drill press and for all classes of breast drill work. These air-powered drills (fig. CA1-3) are also often used for operating special boring bars, and in emergencies, for independent drive of a machine tool where required horsepower is within their capacity. Grinding, wire brushing, polishing, sanding, shot blasting and buffing are performed efficiently with compressed air in the automotive, aircraft, rail car, locomotive, vessel shops, shipbuilding, other heavy machinery, and other industries. The primary goals are to finish surfaces and prepare them for finishing operations. Two of the most basic assembly operations, driving screws and turning up nuts, are performed more efficiently because of pneumatic screwdrivers and nut runners. Air Motors, Vacuum, & Other Auxiliary Devices: Air motors are often used as a power source in operations involving flammable or explosive liquids, vapor, or dust, and can operate in hot, corrosive, or wet atmospheres without damage. Their speeds may be easily changed; they will start and stop rapidly and are not damaged by stalling and overloading. Air motors power (fig. CA1-4) many hand-held air tools and air hoists. They are used in various applications in underground tunnels and mines and in industrial areas where there are flammable liquids or gas. They also drive many pumps used in construction and many positioning apparatuses used in manufacturing. Vacuum has numerous applications in production. A vacuum pump is a compressor in which the desired effect is the intake vacuum, not the pressurized air. For vacuum chucking, the pump holds a vacuum in a tank located close to the machine, while bleeder holes under the part to be machined are opened to hold the part in place. Pneumatic auxiliary production equipment is used extensively. Positioners, feeders, clamps, air chucks, presses, air knives and many other devices powered by air cylinders increase production efficiency. Pneumatic cylinders plus ratchets or stops provide reciprocating or rotating interrupted motions much more economically than by traditional mechanical tools. In finishing and packaging areas, pneumatic devices are used for many applications, such as dry powder transporting and fluidizing, liquid padding, carton stapling, and appliance sanding. Blast cleaning and finishing are other widely used compressed air applications.

Automation The field of automation has been impacted by pneumatics. For instance, air circuitry and pneumatic controls allow the integration of traditional and special air tools and auxiliary devices into single automatic machines. One system has a high degree of interchangeability of pneumatic tools and controls. Because of fluidics, we have simple devices for pneumatic control at lower pressures and with almost no moving parts. Pneumatic positioners have been created that are capable of positioning parts to within 1/1000" without the use of mechanical stops. Compressed air is also used for the pneumatic transportation of materials, such as substances in granular, chip, pelletized, or powdered form and liquids where inertness is not required. Painting is another frequently automated application that uses air circuitry and pneumatic controls in robotic machines and paint spray systems. Compressed air is often used in automatic packaging machinery for sealing, locating the work, and actuating arms that fold paper to wrap the work. Vacuuming machines also perform similar tasks, such as picking up and transferring materials.

 Automated Assembly Stations Compressed air is speeding up operations in the automotive, appliance, electronics, communications, and business machines industries. Common air-powered tasks in automatic machines include the following: tightening threaded fasteners to specified torque; pressing of hammering plugs, pins, and rivets with air; feeding fasteners or parts; actuating positioning cylinders, slides, or work heads, blow-offs, operating indicator lights; and transmitting signals to recording computers.